Shannon for The Great British Bake Off S17 / © Love Productions
Age: 29
From: Gloucestershire
Job: Project Planner and Scheduler
How did you react when you found out you would be taking part in this year’s show?
“Getting into the Bake Off tent was always a dream of mine, even if I never truly believed I was talented enough. My fiancé actually sent me the application one year ‘just for fun’, and somehow I ended up as a back‑up baker in 2025. I loved every second of that experience, so when applications opened again, I applied with the mindset that if it’s meant to be, it will be. I sent my application off the moment submissions went live, enjoyed the whole process again, and then suddenly… everything changed.
“I was working from home when my phone rang. I answered, fully expecting it to be a polite ‘thank you but not this year.’ Instead, I heard the words: ‘You’re going to be seeing a lot more of us — you’re in the tent this year.’
“I don’t think I breathed for a moment. I’ll never forget that phone call. It turned a dream I’d quietly held onto for years into my reality, and I’m still so grateful for every step that led me there.”
As a group, what are this year’s bakers like?
“I need a word to describe us, and I still can’t find one that sums us up perfectly. We’re all such positive, energetic, enthusiastic, real people. Every single baker has a creative bone, and together we make the most unique group — but it just works. Everyone vibes in perfect harmony. Each person brings something special, and without one of us, it wouldn’t feel complete.
“We first met at the hotel. Walking into the bar area felt overwhelming — suddenly it was all real. I first spotted Gary, and then Clara came over saying she recognised me from auditions and was so happy I was there. That meant so much. I’m awful with names, so I went straight to the bar and grabbed my signaturedrink and then went around the room giving everyone hugs. And the more time we spent together, the stronger every bond became.”
How was it having Nigella as part of the show?
“When I first heard that Prue was leaving, I was genuinely sad — she’s such a legend. Never in a million years did I imagine that the new judge would be Nigella. I’ve grown up with her. I’ve had her old programmes playing in the background while I cook Sunday dinner, I’ve collected her cookbooks, and I’ve always seen her as this incredible blend of strength, warmth, elegance, and joy. Meeting her in person was something else entirely. She’s even more wonderful than you’d expect.
“Nigella brought this sensational presence into the tent, a kind of calm elegance that made the whole space feel homely and safe. Her chemistry with Paul was brilliant too. They complemented each other perfectly, but they also had very different palates, so they’d sometimes disagree, which was hilarious to watch. It added such a fun dynamic to judging.”
Describe your baking style in three words!
“Seasonal, wholesome and creative.”
The Great British Bake Off returns Tuesday, September 22 at 8pm on Channel 4.
